Communication Center

As we change our clocks to spring ahead for Daylight Savings Time (DST), it is important that we also change the batteries in our smoke detectors.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 71% of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. In the event of a fire, the safety of you and your family is dependent on a properly functioning smoke detector. Smoke spreads quickly during a fire and smoke alarms provide you enough time to evacuate the home before the situation becomes too dangerous. Properly installed and maintained smoke detectors are key for effective fire prevention.
NFPA provides the following guidelines regarding smoke detectors:
Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to ensure the alarm is working.
Make sure that everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows the correct way to respond.
Smoke alarms in the home should be interconnected, when one sounds, they

Changes in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99 codes for 2018 significantly impact healthcare facilities. NFPA believes the changes are in line with its mission to eliminate death, injury and other losses due to fire hazards.
Keeping patients, staff, and visitors in mind, the NFPA Health Care Facilities Code gets specific. In earlier NFPA 99 regulations, health care facilities required fire extinguishers to be installed. The new requirements ask the same with the additional request that extinguishers be appropriate for a rooms potential hazards.
What does this mean?
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher
In short, different areas of healthcare facilities call for different fire extinguishers. For instance, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) rooms require materials which cannot be magnetized. NFPA 99 concludes that nonferrous-type extinguishers work best in these situations.
Outfitting operating rooms with flame-suffocates must consider the oxygen and other flammable materials

Finding the right sprinkler system is obviously an important task, but there is a lot to consider. From the location of the system to the type of business here is what you need to know to find the best sprinkler system.
So,what type of sprinkler system is best for your facility?Keep reading to learn more about each type of sprinkler system:
Wet Pipe Systems
Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most commonly installed system. When a sprinkler is exposed to a temperature above the heat setting, a glass bulb or fusible link gives way and releases water.Only sprinklers that are exposed to high heat will release water. Since there is always water in the system, awet pipe systemneeds to be installed in buildings where the temperature does not dip below freezing.
Dry Pipe Systems
A dry pipe system is ideal for outdoor applications, buildings that are not heated or freezers. When an individual sprinkler is exposed to a high temperature it opens up and the air in the pipes is vented. Water then

We see fire extinguishers every day, but how well do we understand them? Would the average Joe even know that fire extinguishers have a class? More than likely, very few people would know what class fire extinguisher that they have. In the case of a fire related emergency knowing where your extinguisher is and how to operate it can be a home, business or life saver. A fire can spread a lot in the time it takes for firefighters to arrive.
Owning and operating a fire extinguisher is an essential skill that everyone should have. In this video, well analyze the Ansul Multi Purpose ABC Rated fire extinguisher. With its Class rating of ABC it is designed to handle any general fire that you are likely to encounter. So, what does each class mean? Class ABC extinguishers can handle the following types of fire.
Class A extinguishers are made to handle ordinary materials such as plastic, cardboard, wood and paper
Class B fires involve combustible or flammable liquids such as Grease and oil fires

The last time you probably participated in Fire Training was during your school years, when teachers would review, step by step, what to do and where to go in case of a fire. The school would also hold at least 1, if not 2, unannouced practice fire drill during the school year.
After you leave school you typically no longer receive any type of formal fire safety training, unless youwork for an organization that requires an annual fire safety review by itself or as part of a workplace emergency and evacuation plan or fire safety protocols are imperative to your profession or job.
Regardless of the industry you are in, fire safety training should be a vital part of your company. Regular fire safety training will help keep your employees, patrons, and assests safe. There are several basic components that EVERY employee should be familier with, including the following:
Fire Alarm Loactions
Fire Exits
Sprinkler Systems
Fire Extinguisher types, locations, and how to properly

A Sprinkler Freeze Failure Scenario
Sprinkler systems can malfunction when temperatures drop. When any portion of a sprinkler system is exposed to freezing temperatures, water in the piping can turn to ice, expand in volume, and produce thousands of pounds of pressure. The pressure can force sprinklers to operate and break fittings. As a result, water leaks or is discharged from the system when the ice thaws. Normally sprinkler system failures, due to freezing, arent discovered until after the water starts to cause damage because it is discharging.
After a water discharge from a sprinkler system, building owners face property damage, business interruption, and irate tenants and customers. Most fire sprinkler contractors have the ability to eliminate the chances of a freeze failure with proper installation, but to make sure it never happens, building owners also need to be involved.
Wet System Freeze Failures
Most sprinkler systems are wet pipe systems, meaning that the piping is

Sprinkler systems are an essential part of keeping your employees and property safe. Sticking to your inspection cycle is keyinassuring you sprinkler is functioning properly. However, in between those inspections our technicians are not there to safeguard your system from some common mistakes.
PREVENT FREEZING
With winter creeping up on us this is a major concern and can cost your business a hefty amount of money. Even though it is economical to turn the heat down in your facility when employees are not present it could cause a colossal problem. The water in those pipes start to freeze. Initially this will cause obstruction, hindering the flow of water, but this can quickly lead to eruption of those pipes. You can easily avoid this by making sure the air temperature around those pipes is above freezing. Pipes in attics and stairwells are more susceptible to this, just make sure that the auxiliary heaters are turned back on in these locations and

When learning facts about fire, there are three things you must understand: Fuel, Heat and Oxygen. If one of these three components are missing, a fire cannot ignite or grow to any significance. Lets briefly take a look and explore each component.
Fuel: Fuel for fire is any kind of combustible material. Examples of combustible materials include: paper, oil, woods, gases, fabrics, liquid, plastics, and rubbers. Fuel is characterized by its moisture content, size, shape, quality and the pattern in which it spreads. Moisture content determines how easily it will burn.
Heat: A heat source is responsible for the initial ignition or start of a fire. A heat source can be generated by a cigarette, electrical current or portable heater. Heat is needed to maintain a fire and it also enables them to spread. Heat allows fire to spread by drying out and preheating nearby fuel and warming surrounding air.
Oxygen: Air contains approximately 21 percent oxygen. Most fires only require

Believe it or not, not only are fire extinguishers an important part of our everyday safety, they are an important part of our history as well! If you are as curious as we are at County Fire Protection, you have probably wondered how these bright red powerhouses have come to be a staple in homes and businesses worldwide. Here are a few highlights of how fire extinguishers developed and changed throughout the decades.
200 B.C. - Ctesibius of Alexandria crafted a hand pump designed to deliver water to fires. This method replaced the cumbersome technique of passing buckets from hand to hand to transport water to fires.
The Middle Ages Devices called squirts were developed which worked like bicycle pumps. These were used on the 1666 Great Fire of London.
1819 Captain George Manby invented the first version of the modern portable fire extinguisher. It was made of copper vessel which sprayed potassium carbonate solution using compressed air.
1912 An extinguisher model using carbon

Home and business owners are increasingly adding fire pits to their outdoor spaces. Fire pits are gaining popularity as they can be used year round, in hot and cold weather, as a gathering space. If you are considering adding a fire pit to your backyard or outdoor office space, there are several things that need to be considered including location, fuel type, and most importantly, safety.
Where should I place my Fire Pit?
Great question! Before deciding where to place your fire pit, you will need to determine whether you will be placing a permanent fire pit, or a portable fire pit. Once you have determined whether you will have a permanent or portable fire pit, you will need to decide where the best placement is.
When deciding where to place your fire pit, the most important thing to consider is safety. Fire pits should be placed at a minimum of ten feet away from your house or building and also neighbors yards. In addition to placing the fire pit a safe distance away from your

As Summer 16 comes to a close, thousands of young people and their parents are getting prepared to head off to being or continue their adult lives in college. Many will house in an apartment, while the majority will settle inside a University dormitory. While this is an exciting time for college students and their parents, there are some issues to be aware of and to ask about!
When moving your student into his/her dorm room, there are several fire safety questions that should be asked to your RA (resident advisor) or dormitory director to ensure your childs safety during their upcoming semester. Here are a few GREAT questions you or your child can/should ask.
1.Does each room have its own smoke detector?
The answer should be a resounding yes. Your College or University should also be able to provide the last completed service date of all the dormitory alarms should you want to know that information.
2.Are the dormitory hallways and common recreation areas equipped with a fire

At County Fire Protection, we carry a variety of commercial portable fire extinguishers to meet all of your safety needs.
The right fire extinguisher for the right fire.
Fire extinguishers come in a wide variety of types, each one designed to put out a different kind of fire. A classification systems have been developed to help users know what sort of extinguisher theyre working with.
Most fire extinguishers for homes and public spaces areclassifiedas Class ABC extinguishers, meaning theyre suitable for putting out wood and paper fires,flammableliquid fires,andelectrical fires.
Do you know how to use your fire extinguishers
If possible, position yourself with your back to an unobstructed exit so that you can get out quickly if you need to. The discharge range for extinguishers can run from 6-20 feet (know your extinguishers range beforehand), and you want to be far enough away to not be in danger of being burned, and close enough that the discharge will be effective.
To

Every year fires break out in workplaces across the country resulting in serious damage to property and even injury and death. In the U.S. each year there are around 100,000 non-residential fires reported, with a significant portion of these fires occurring in the workplace. These fires account for approximately 60 deaths, 1200 injuries and more than $2.6M in structural damages each year.
There are a variety of reasons why these fires break out, although many are due to negligence and could be prevented with more care and attention. One of the best ways to protect your business against fire is to educate your staff on the causes of fire and encourage them to be vigilant and report any potential fire hazards, so that they can be dealt with swiftly.
Although each working environment is different, here are some common workplace fire hazards that you should look out for and how to reduce the risk of them causing a fire.
Waste and combustible material
In many workplaces, in particular

The Hoverboard part toy, part transportation! The self-balancing scooters have quickly become the latest and most popular trend among kids and teens, and lets face it; adults too. With the back to school season right around the corner, kids and teens everywhere will be opting for this trendy mode of transportation to get to and from school. Below is a short list of tips for both parents and kids to make safe decisions when purchasing and using the board to reduce fire and bodily injury.
When making your purchase, choose one that has been certified and tested in a laboratory.
Read and follow manufacturers instructions while setting up your Hoverboard for use.
Parents, ALWAYS be responsible and charge your childs Hoverboard.
Be sure to be attentive. Do not leave your Hoverboard unattended during charging.
NEVER leave your Hoverboard charging overnight.
Only use the charging cord that comes with your Hoverboard. Using third-party cords can increase your risk of fire

The sprinkler heads are up and the fire extinguishers are on the wall. The various elements of fire protection are in place, so certainly you feel good about how you are protecting both your business, assets and employees, right?
Just having the system in place is not enough. Its like an old phone booth that has been left on the street corner. While it might look like a reliable device for effective communication, it is as useless as a rock since it is no longer connected to phone lines to make a phone call.
Having a reliable fire protection system along with dependable equipment and exit lighting is a great first step. It is very important to work with a reputable company like County Fire Protection who can design, install, and service whatever unique circumstance(s) your facility presents. But, there is more to think about. Check out this short list of considerations and ensure you are protecting your business from an unexpected fire emergency.
Maintain your existing system: Your

There is no doubt about it, a house fire is one of the most devastating and traumatic losses a homeowner can endure, both emotionally and financially. Protecting your home, property and family members is as easy as injecting a few simple procedures into your familys safety plan. Following these steps and being properly prepared for a fire can significantly reduce damages and overall loss of property and make it easy to recover in case of a fire emergency.
Your home is your sanctuarya place where you can rest, relax and create long lasting memories with your friends and family. Therefore, be certain to review these tips to keep you, your home and those closest to you safe and protected.
1. ALWAYS have working smoke detectors in your home. Check them regularly (once every 3 months) and replace the batteries as needed. Smoke alarm units should be replaced every 10 years regardless of if it is functional or not as sensors go bad after several years of being unused.
2. Wheres the EXTINGUISHER?!?

No matter your business or industry, as a business owner you have a responsibility to keep the workplace environment safe for your employees.
Its as great a time as any to begin to review your companys safety plan! There are many fire safety guidelines your business may already be adhering to that have been suggested by OSHA NFPA or your local municipal fire codes, but remember, compliance is key. When it comes to fire safety encourage your staff to adhere to guidelines and be diligent in updating any procedural guidelines that may change.
Prevent against workplace fires with these simple tips:
Place fire extinguishers in strategic locations, easily accessible to employees and in accordance to code requirements.
Be sure smoke detectors are professionally installed and maintenance quarterly.
Avoid overloading power outlets or power strips with electrical devices. Doing so can overload circuits and cause electrical fires.
Always unplug non-essential electronics at the end

How prepared are you for a fire inspection? Your local fire marshal can stop by to inspect your business anytime, so it is of grave importance to make sure your building is up to code at all times. But what exactly does up to code mean? After all, fire codes can be very complex and while many aspects of the inspection are common sense, there are some that can really offer trouble understanding.
Thats where this nifty checklist comes in handy! Staying on top of these items will ensure that not only your business stays safe from a fire, it will also ensure to keep the fire marshal off your back and those pesky fines at bay.
Preparing for fire code inspections: The outside
One of the things the fire marshal will inspect upon his/her arrival is how accessible your building is to the fire department should they need to be called out for an emergency. When preparing for fire safety inspections, you should make sure that:
Your street address is clearly marked on the front of your building